On March 15, 2021, Rosalind Gates Brewer. also known as, “Roz”, will officially become CEO of Walgreens, after holding positions of Chief Operating Officer and Group President of America’s of Starbucks Corporation since October 2017.
In this week's #CDFChildWatch column, Marian Wright Edelman applauds trailblazer Rosalind Gates Brewer, another example of Black excellent and a @SpelmanCollege sister whose example women and children everywhere can follow. #BlackHistoryMonth https://t.co/1k3z02ACtf
— Children's Defense Fund (@ChildDefender) February 12, 2021
This incredible woman also served as an Executive Vice-President of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. from February 2012 to February 2017. This after having jo the do-it-all retail franchise in 2006 as Regional Vice President for Georgia.
Brewer joined Wal-Mart in 2006 as regional Vice President, where she oversaw operations in the “Peach State.” Later becoming division president of the Southeast, and then president of Walmart East.
Throughout her career, she’s served as a high-impact strategist with a wealth of experience spanning global manufacturing operations, research and development, marketing, and strategic business unit leadership.
Regardless of the title, her main focus has always been revenue growth as well as customer satisfaction. One of Brewer’s strong attributes has been her ability and extensive expertise in turn-around assignments.
Basically reviving failing stores and injecting life into them in every realm of retail. Known for building strong teams to assist in getting the job done, while also inspiring mentoring networks and having a passion for community improvement.
“She says being a Black woman, you tend to get mistaken a lot, but that’s what should make you persevere.”
Recognizing that many women experience bias and gender discrimination in the workplace, Brewer said that her biggest message to women today in business is to stay steadfast” and know that your voice matters.”
“You’re going to get it wrong sometimes and, there are some ways to clean up your mistakes.” First of all be willing to admit you made the mistake. But keep using your voice.”
Prior to joining Walmart, she worked for Kimberly-Clark Corp. for 22 years, beginning as a scientist and eventually president of the Global Nonwovens Sector in 2004.
Brewer earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from renowned HBCU Spelman College. She also attended the Spelman Advancement Management Program at the Wharton School and the Director’s College at the University Of Chicago School of Business/Stanford School of Law.
Brewer also serves on the board of defense contractors Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT). And with her profound commitment to education, she is the chair of the board of trustees for her Alma Mater College.
Making history is just what she does.
